title: Ossification of the ligamentum flavum as cause of thoracic cord compression: Case report of a Latin American man and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ossification of the ligamentum flavum is a widely described pathology in eastern Asia. Cases have been reported in northern Africa, the Middle-East, India, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, but no cases from Latin America have been published in the literature. It affects mostly elderly men, with a possible association with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 38-year-old previously healthy Latin American male presented to the emergency room department with severe functional disability and a 3/5 paraparesis. Blood reports showed no abnormalities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a ligamentum flavum ossification with myelopathy. The patient underwent a T3-T9 laminotomy. At hospital discharge, the patient remained with a 3/5 paraparesis, mild hypoesthesia in both lower limbs and bladder incontinence. Rectal sphincter was continent. At 6 months, he was able to walk with a cane, with no sphincter or sensory alterations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ligamentum flavum ossification is rare. To our understanding, this is the first case reported in the Latin American population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Clemente Álvarez, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
authors.forename: Javier A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Toledo
authors.forename: Facundo Van
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Isseldyk
authors.forename: Martín
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Re
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garrote
keywords: Dorsal stenosis; ligamentum flavum ossification; thoracic myelopathy